Some Other Popular Oils:

Tea Tree

Also known as melaleuca, tea tree oil clears skin blemishes, and is effective for acne, insect bites, fungal nails, rashes, and wounds. It also helps combat respiratory infections.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus can act as a decongestant, ease joint and muscle pain, aid in mental clarity, and relaxation.

Avoid if expecting or nursing.

Frankincense

This ancient oil boosts skin health and can be used to treat a variety of skin ailments such as sunburns, eczema, and bruises.

Avoid if expecting or nursing.

Oregano

Oregano has immune boosting properties. Use it when you feel like you’re coming down with an infection. It can also be used to alleviate symptoms of flu and cold.

Avoid if expecting or nursing.

Rosemary

This oil can improve circulation, soothe sore and stiff muscles, and alleviate headaches. It can alleviate symptoms of sore throat, earache, flu, colds, and coughs.

Avoid if expecting or nursing. Do not use for children under age ten.

Clove

Clove increases circulation, alleviates muscle stiffness, and boosts dental health. It promotes cheerfulness and joy.

Avoid if expecting or nursing. Do not use for long periods of time. Can irritate the skin.

Sweet Orange

This oil’s uplifting scent promotes feelings of joy and well-being. It soothes anxiety and headaches, and alleviates insomnia.

Sweet Orange is a citrus oil, and applying it to the skin makes the user photosensitive. Do not use it before prolonged sun exposure.

Topical Application and Carrier Oils

One way to use essential oils is by applying them topically. However, essential oils are highly concentrated, and can cause skin irritation. They should not be used on their own, and must be diluted with a carrier oil before use. There are several different kinds of carrier oils to choose from, each with their own benefits. Choose oil that is cold pressed, 100 percent pure, and additive and preservative free. Avoid oils with an overpowering scent.

Commonly Used Carrier Oils

Argan Oil

Nourishing for hair, it has anti-aging properties that make it excellent for skin care. Easily absorbed.

Coconut Oil

Great moisturizer, has a light fragrance that doesn’t overpower the essential oils.

Sweet Almond Oil

Affordable, light, and subtle, excellent for skin.

Castor Oil

High in vitamins and antioxidants, this oil is great for both skin and hair care. Excellent moisturizer and used as an ingredient in many cosmetics and moisturizers.

Jojoba Oil

High in vitamins and antioxidants, can improve the look of skin and hair. It is also an anti-inflammatory properties.

Sunflower Oil

Light and easily absorbed. Rich in vitamins A, D, and E, making it beneficial for skin.

Rosehip Oil

Gentle, nongreasy, must be stored in the fridge.

Diffusion

Essential oils can also be diffused. Essential oil diffusers are available online. Mix water and a few drops of oil, turn on the diffuser, and it releases a scented vapor.

There are other ways to diffuse oils, as well.

You can make a steam bowl or a reed diffuser (directions below).

You can inhale directly from the essential oils bottle.

Mix a few drops of oils with a teaspoon of carrier oil. Rub between your palms, and inhale.

Add a few drops of essential oil to your bath.

Pour a few drops of essential oil onto a washcloth and take it into the shower.

Use Caution

Wash your hands thoroughly after using undiluted essential oils.

Don’t touch your eyes or the skin near your nose and mouth after handling the oils.

Keep in a safe place, away from children.

Avoid the sun after using oils that cause photosensitivity. These include the citrus oils.

Always use externally.

Children are more sensitive than adults, and oils must be less concentrated (see chart). Consult with your child’s doctor before using essential oils for children.

If you have any medical conditions, are under the care of a doctor, or are taking any medications, consult with a doctor before using essential oils.

Once you choose your carrier oil, dilute the essential oil in the carrier oil, and then apply using a roller bottle. Remember to label the bottle so you remember what’s inside. Roller bottles are available on Amazon in 5 ml and 10 ml sizes.

Dilution Guidelines

3-5%

Adults and Teens

3%

Children over 8 (consult with a doctor first)

2%

Children 2-8 (consult with a doctor first)

Mix and Match

Combining essential oils is a specialty and requires expertise. Some oils boost the properties of others. For example:

• Lavender oil boosts the relaxing effects of tea tree oil.
• Lavender’s ability to soothe works well with peppermint’s cooling properties.
• Tea tree and eucalyptus work well together to clear congestion.
• Peppermint boosts rosemary’s energizing abilities.
• Sweet orange and eucalyptus work well together as a mood enhancer.

Multiple books with various recipes are available, and it may be worthwhile to consult with a certified aromatherapist.

Recipes

Seasonal Bloom

Liat Kassin, Essentially Everything

Relief for Seasonal Allergies

Essential Oils (3% dilution)

1 drop lavender

1 drop lemon

1 drop peppermint

Base

1 tsp/ 5ml coconut oil

Mix in a 10 ml roller bottle. Apply to bottom of the feet, chest, and sides of the nose.

(This combination of essential oils can also be diffused.)

Super Blister Barrier and Treatment Oil

Recipe excerpted from Stephanie Tourles’s Essential Oils: A Beginner’s Guide, by Stephanie Tourles (copyright 2018). Used with permission by Storey Publishing.

Blister Preventative Barrier and Blister Remedial Treatment

Essential Oils

15 drops lavender

3 drops lemon

Base

1 tablespoon castor oil

1 tablespoon jojoba oil

1 ounce dark glass bottle with dropper lid

Combine the lavender and lemon essential oils in the bottle, then add castor and jojoba oils. Screw top on bottle and shake vigorously for two minutes to blend.  Label the bottle, and set it in a cool, dry location for 24 hours so that the oils can synergize.

Store at room temperature, away from heat and light. Use within one year.

Shake well before each use. To prevent blisters from forming on your feet, apply a thin coating to dry feet before doing any physical activity. Then don socks.

To treat new blisters, apply 1-2 drops to each blister. Use twice daily, or as desired.

Bonus uses: Apply one drop per nail and massage thoroughly to condition dry fingernails and cuticles and encourage growth.

Traditional Clove Toothache Remedy

Recipe excerpted from Stephanie Tourles’s Essential Oils: A Beginner’s Guide, by Stephanie Tourles (copyright 2018). Used with permission by Storey Publishing.

Clove has been used for centuries to help alleviate pain associated with dental cavities and oral infection. Since this is intended for oral use, the oil must have a hechsher.

Essential Oils

1 drop clove

Base

2 drops almond, sunflower, extra-virgin olive oil, or unrefined coconut oil

Nonreactive container, such as stainless steel teaspoon or a shot glass.

Combine the clove essential oil with your base oil of choice in the container. Stir with a cotton swab, then dab directly onto the aching tooth and gently massage the surrounding gum area. Expect to experience temporary numbness in the affected area. Repeat the treatment up to three times per day for up to one week. If pain persists, see your dentist as soon as possible.

Caution: Clove oil is very strong and a potential skin irritant. If you experience an intolerable burning sensation or lingering irritation, stop treatment immediately and rinse your mouth out with cream, half-and-half, whole milk, or vegetable oil several times until the irritation abates.

Educated Consumer

It’s important to be selective about where you purchase your oils. Less reputable sources use additives to supplement their product, leading to an impure oil, and one that won’t have the benefits of a pure oil. You want to buy oils without chemical fillers, additives, or synthetics. For example, rose oil is very expensive to produce and can cost about $200 for just 5 ml. If you see a bottle of rose oil for much less, assume that it isn’t pure. Many brands add geranium oil to the rose oil in order to lower the price, but you won’t notice that unless you read the ingredients. Quality can hugely vary between different brands, and because the industry isn’t regulated, responsibility falls on the buyer.

Some tips:

Look for glass bottles that are brown or blue.

Look for small bottles, under 4 ounces.

A brand should have different prices for each oil.

The label on the bottle should name the oil by plant name (lavender) and botanical name (lavandula angustifolia). This isn’t a tried-and-true, there are oils from reputable brands that don’t list the botanical name, but this can be useful when exploring the products of a brand you’re unfamiliar with.

Avoid oils that are labeled as fragrance oil, nature identical oil, perfume oil, scented oil, or essence of. These products contain synthetic ingredients, and won’t have the benefits of essential oils.

Don’t buy essential oils at big box stores. Rather research and find a trusted brand.

Some reputable brands are doTERRA, Plant Therapy, Young Living, and Eden Botanicals.

Steam Bowl

This is a great way to relieve congestion.

You Will Need:

Bowl of hot water

Towel

1 drop eucalyptus

1 drop lemon

1 drop peppermint

Add the oils to the bowl of hot water. Cover your head with the towel and inhale the steam.

DIY Reed Diffuser 

Adapted from Good Housekeeping and House Beautiful

You Will Need:

small glass jar

½ cup carrier oil such as sweet almond or safflower

25-30 drops of essential oils (use your favorite or a combination such as lavender, rosemary, peppermint, and lemon)

1 tsp rubbing alcohol or vodka

5-8 reed diffuser sticks

Mix the carrier oil and essential oils. Add the rubbing alcohol or vodka. Mix well. Pour into glass jar and add the reeds. You can turn the reeds over ever few days to diffuse the scent.

(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 922)